News Release
Anchorage, Alaska - Jan. 2, 2004

ALASKA’S WACKY WINTER FUN FESTIVAL
CATCH RONDY FEVER!

There aren’t many places where events such as the “oyster shucking contest,” “snowshoe softball,” and “Eskimo blanket toss,” get top billing. Of course, there aren’t many places like the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous. Traditionally a 10-day winter celebration, Fur Rondy, dubbed affectionately by Alaskans, will extend to a 17-day winter festival, Feb. 20 – March 7, 2004, - one of the largest winter festivals in North America.

Along with the traditional favorites such as Ice Bowling, the Grand Prix Auto Race and the World Championship Sled Dog Races, there are a few new events that will make this year’s Rondy fever a little hotter. The “Furs, Feather & Fiber” fashion event at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, will showcase authentic handmade Native kuspuks, mukluks and everyday wear from the indigenous cultures of Alaska. The Call of the Wild Ball at the William A. Egan and Convention Center will truly be a wild adventure with live rock-n-roll, a wild animal calling contest, a fur hat competition and more crazy events! Also new this year, the “Antiques & Uniques” at the House of Harley-Davidson & Buell with an extensive collection of Harley Davidson motorcycles; the “Salute to the Iditarod” with tales from the trail, singing, dancing sled dogs and harrowing accounts from the elite Iditarod Air Force; Bed & Breakfast Bonanza, a progressive breakfast adventure; and the Anchorage International Senior Men’s Hockey Tournament!

2004 marks the beginning of a new tradition in Anchorage with Fur Rondy and the world-famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race sharing a common weekend. The 32nd Annual Iditarod on March 6, 2004, brings out visitors and locals alike to catch a glimpse of the action in downtown Anchorage.

In 1935, when fur trading was the second leading industry in Alaska, a festival was created to bring people together, show community support and celebrate the beginning of the end of winter. Fur trading became an important part of the festival with a golden opportunity for trappers and buyers to meet in Anchorage and eliminate the expensive middleman. Trappers and buyers met in Anchorage to trade, trapping contests were held, and prizes were awarded for the longest fox, the best fox and the finest ermine pelts. The event was officially named Fur Rendezvous in 1937.

For more information on Anchorage Fur Rendezvous 2004, see www.furrondy.net . For more information on what there is to see and do in Anchorage, check out www.anchorage.net.

Contacts:

Erika Biringer, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
esiegel@anchorage.net

Explore www.anchorage.net

Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net